One dead, three missing as picnic turns tragic at Chenab River

GUJRAT: A picnic outing turned into a tragedy near Wazirabad when several women from Kot Bela village reportedly drowned in the Chenab River despite restrictions imposed under Section 144 banning bathing and swimming in rivers and canals across the region.
The incident took place in the suburban area of Silhoke Chattha near Kot Bela where eight women from the same locality had gone for a picnic at the bank of River Chenab on Thursday. According to Rescue 1122 officials and local residents, the women attempted to reach a dry patch inside the river when they suddenly slipped into deep water and were swept away by the strong current.
Villagers and local volunteers rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and managed to pull five women out of the river. However, one of the rescued women later died while three others remained missing till the filing of this report.
The rescue operation, which continued till late night, had to be suspended due to darkness. Officials said the search operation resumed early Friday morning with line search and scuba diving teams deployed in the river to trace the missing women.
Rescue teams from Gujrat, Gujranwala and Hafizabad districts have joined the operation while local volunteers are also assisting authorities in the difficult search mission. Boats and professional divers were seen combing different points of the river throughout the day.
The missing women were identified as 28-year-old Samia, eight-year-old Seerat Shehzadi and 10-year-old Iman Fatima, all residents of Kot Bela village. The death and disappearance of the women cast a shadow of grief over the entire area where relatives and villagers gathered near the riverbank waiting for any news from rescuers.
Eyewitnesses said panic spread within seconds as the women lost balance while walking through shallow water towards what appeared to be a dry area inside the river. Locals said the water level and riverbed conditions changed suddenly, leaving the women trapped in deeper water.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over public safety at rivers and canals during the summer season, particularly despite repeated warnings from authorities.
District administration officials said Section 144 remains imposed in Gujrat district under which bathing and swimming in rivers, canals and streams has been banned to prevent such incidents. Rescue 1122 and teams of Punjab Emergency Service and local administration have been conducting regular patrolling along River Chenab, River Jhelum, Upper Jhelum Canal, Saroki and other water channels.
Authorities appealed to citizens to avoid entering rivers and canals and warned that legal action could be taken against violators. “Your life is precious for us. Please follow safety instructions,” an official statement issued by the district administration said.
Meanwhile, rescue officials said the operation would continue until all missing women are recovered.